Description

The “Experiences in Close Relationships Questionnaire – Revised” (ECR-R) is a psychometric tool designed to assess dimensions of attachment in close relationships. The ECR-R is based on attachment theory and examines two primary dimensions: attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance. The scale includes 36 statements that assess individuals’ tendencies to worry about rejection and abandonment (attachment anxiety) and their tendencies to avoid emotional closeness (attachment avoidance).

Purpose

The main purpose of the ECR-R is to provide a reliable and valid measure for assessing individuals’ attachment styles in close relationships. The information collected through this scale can help researchers and clinicians better understand how attachment styles influence relationship quality, mental health, and interpersonal behaviors. These insights can also be used to develop interventions that promote healthy attachment and improve relational functioning.

Analysis

Analysis of the data collected through the ECR-R involves the use of statistical methods to evaluate the reliability and validity of the tool. Reliability is typically assessed using Cronbach’s alpha to ensure internal consistency of the items. Factor analysis is used to confirm the structure of the instrument and to identify the underlying dimensions of attachment anxiety and avoidance. Additionally, correlation analysis may be conducted to examine the relationship between ECR-R scores and other psychological and social variables such as relationship satisfaction, mental health, and social support.

Calibration

Calibration of the ECR-R is conducted using a Likert scale, where participants rate each statement from 1 (strongly disagree) to 7 (strongly agree). Total scores are calculated separately for attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance by summing the scores of the respective items. Higher scores in attachment anxiety indicate greater concern about rejection, while higher scores in attachment avoidance reflect a greater tendency to avoid emotional closeness.

References

Fraley, R. C., Waller, N. G., & Brennan, K. A. (2000). An item response theory analysis of self-report measures of adult attachment. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 78(2), 350–365.
Brennan, K. A., Clark, C. L., & Shaver, P. R. (1998). Self-report measurement of adult attachment: An integrative overview. In J. A. Simpson & W. S. Rholes (Eds.), Attachment Theory and Close Relationships (pp. 46–76). The Guilford Press.
Fraley, R. C., & Shaver, P. R. (2000). Adult romantic attachment: Theoretical developments, emerging controversies, and unanswered questions. Review of General Psychology, 4(2), 132–154.
Mikulincer, M., & Shaver, P. R. (2007). Attachment in Adulthood: Structure, Dynamics, and Change. The Guilford Press.
Shaver, P. R., & Mikulincer, M. (2002). Attachment-related psychodynamics. Attachment & Human Development, 4(2), 133–161.